Alternatives to pfBlockerNG

A pfSense package that adds IP blocklists, country blocking and DNS blocklists to the firewall. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

  • pfBlockerNG

    A pfSense package that adds IP blocklists, country blocking and DNS blocklists to the firewall.

    FreeProprietarySelf-hosted

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as pfBlockerNG.

  • Pi-hole

    A DNS server for your home network that refuses to look up ad and tracker domains, for every device at once.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxSelf-hostedWeb

    Pi-hole runs on a separate Linux machine and blocks by DNS only, without the firewall IP lists or country blocking that pfSense provides.

  • AdGuard Home

    Network-wide ad and tracker blocking in a single binary, with encrypted DNS built in rather than bolted on.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxWebSelf-hosted

    AdGuard Home is an open source single binary with a web interface and encrypted DNS serving, but it does no IP or country blocking at the firewall.

  • OpenWrt adblock

    A DNS-based ad and abuse domain blocking package for OpenWrt routers, covering every device on the network.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxCommand line

    OpenWrt adblock provides network-wide DNS blocking on OpenWrt routers instead of pfSense firewalls, and is open source with a command-line interface.

  • Adblock Fast

    A lightweight DNS-based ad blocker for OpenWrt routers using dnsmasq, smartdns, Unbound or BIND.

    FreeOpen sourceSelf-hosted

    Adblock Fast is an AGPL-3.0 DNS ad blocker for OpenWrt routers with low memory use and optional LuCI interface, lacking IP blocklists.

  • Diversion

    A DNS-based ad blocker that runs on Asus routers with Asuswrt-Merlin firmware.

    FreeProprietarySelf-hostedCommand line

    Diversion performs router-level DNS ad blocking only on Asus routers with Asuswrt-Merlin firmware, without firewall IP or country blocking.

  • NxFilter

    A self-hosted DNS filter with per-user policies, reports and Active Directory integration.

    FreeProprietarySelf-hosted

    NxFilter is a self-hosted DNS filter with per-user policies, reports and Active Directory integration, aimed at schools and organisations.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.